New Orleans Zephyrs newcomer Kyle Jensen off to hot start

It takes longer to boil a pot of crawfish than logging Kyle Jensen's time spent in New Orleans before being thrust into the Zephyrs’ starting lineup.

The newest Zephyrs outfielder stepped off the plane and into a uniform Monday night after being promoted from the Double-A Jacksonville Suns.

“It’s been good so far,” Jensen said. “The other guys are awesome and it’s good to be here. I’m ready to play some ball.”

Jensen walked to the plate in his first game not knowing what the difference in competition between Double- and Triple-A would be, but handled the transitional pressure with a confidence-boosting RBI double up the middle.

The utility player outdid his debut when he launched a ball off the left-field patio roof for a solo home run against the Nashville Sounds on Tuesday and then a single just a few innings later.

Jensen hit 89 homers in his five-year, minor-league career with a .266 batting average and .476 slugging percentage. He’s also had 312 RBIs on 485 hits, including 95 doubles and 10 triples.

“I was around him in spring a little bit, but he’s been in Double-A and only been here for a couple days,” Z's third baseman Matt Downs said. “A lot of power, but I just don’t really know much about him yet.

“He’s a guy who has that kind of power to hit the ball out of the park and drive in runs (that) can help you win, no doubt.”

Jensen said he didn’t come into the Pacific Coast League with any preconceived notions about the league’s hitting or pitching after hearing about wild, high-scoring games.

First baseman Joe Mahoney said Sunday when he was in the international leagues, he would hear of 12-8 games every night in the PCL. Mahoney was recently demoted to the Zephyrs from the Marlins due to an injury.

Jensen said the game is the same everywhere and he just needs to play his game and he’ll be fine.

“(I just have to) go out there and stay with my approach and routine,” Jensen said. “Everybody has a routine and if I stick to my routine I’ll be fine.”

Jensen said he’d never been to New Orleans before Monday, but hopes to get the full Crescent City experience during his time with the Zephyrs.

Wednesday will be Jensen’s first day off with the Zephyrs and he'll take in the city with former roommate and New Orleans starting pitcher Brian Flynn.

“I don’t know (much about the city), this is only my second day,” Jensen said. “I haven’t really checked it out or anything, but tomorrow is my day off. I’ll probably go check it out and see what it is.”